Sports
Noah Lyles: The Stylish Star of Track and Field
Bronze medalist Noah Lyles is one athlete everyone is keeping an eye on, not just for his incredible speed on the track but also for his trendy style.
This American track and field star has been making waves in the fashion world, especially after his Met Gala debut following the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021. He lit up the event in custom Pyer Moss and has since partnered with big brands like Omega and Adidas.
With the help of his stylist and good friend Kwasi Kessie, who has been on board since 2022, Lyles has mixed high fashion with streetwear. His recent appearances leading up to the Summer Games showcase an exciting blend of luxury and casual vibes.
Kessie describes Lyles as ‘just stylish.’ He explains that Lyles doesn’t stick to one fashion genre. Instead, he chooses outfits based on the occasion and the energy he wants to project. Kessie believes Lyles has a great eye for both fashion and style.
Just recently, Lyles took fashion inspiration from iconic pop culture, sporting high-fashion looks at track meets. At the USATF New York Grand Prix, Kessie styled him in an embellished vest from L’Enchanteur and distressed jeans by Who Decides War.
What sets Lyles apart is his collaborative approach to fashion. He often brings his ideas and accessories to styling meetings, allowing Kessie to enhance his vision. For example, Lyles recently adorned his hair with pearls, and Kessie used that detail to style him for the premiere of Netflix’s docuseries ‘Sprint‘ in June. He wore a chic tweed and sequin-detailed jacket by Amiri, along with a pearl-embellished shirt from Simone Rocha and dress pants by Bode.
Kessie believes that the way Lyles dresses can energize him for his performances. He wants to make sure Lyles feels like a superhero, which translates to confidence on the track. Lyles aims to attract more attention to track and field by bringing a flair for fashion along with his athleticism.
Accessorizing is another way Lyles puts his personal stamp on his track attire. During the recent U.S. Team Trials, he added either a chain link or pearl necklace to his uniform on several occasions.
According to Kessie, these accessories are game-changers. They add flair and storytelling elements that elevate a simple look to extraordinary one.
Kessie believes fans are resonating with Lyles’ fashion choices because he boldly expresses his personality through what he wears. ‘It’s fun, it’s good energy, and it shows off who he is,’ Kessie said, emphasizing how refreshing this is for the sport.
With major events approaching, Kessie and Lyles are busy crafting exciting looks. They have some surprises in store for fans.